Review calls for 'radical change' to end bullying and harassment at the Bar

A major independent review commissioned by the Bar Council - the body that represents barristers in England and Wales - has called for sweeping reforms to tackle bullying and harassment at the Bar.

The report, led by Labour peer Harriet Harman and published on Monday (8 September), sets out 36 recommendations, including a complete ban on sexual relationships between pupils and colleagues with influence over their careers - which are currently strongly discouraged in guidance but not expressly prohibited.

Harman also recommended the creation of a new commissioner to oversee standards across the Bar and judiciary, mandatory anti-bullying and harassment training for all barristers, chambers staff and Inns, and tougher, "career-limiting or career-ending" sanctions on barristers who abuse their position.

Background

Harman - a Labour grandee and solicitor - received over 170 written submissions and met with pupils, juniors, silks and chambers staff in gathering evidence before concluding that "decisive and radical change" is needed to end what she described as a "culture of impunity" and a "culture of collusive bystanding".

"There needs to be clearly signalled insistence on standards, a preparedness to support those complaining and a determination to end the careers of those who commit misconduct", Harman said.

The review was commissioned in 2024 after research the year before revealed 44% of barristers had experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment or discrimination in the previous two years. Its publication comes months after former Criminal Bar Association chair Navjot "Jo" Sidhu KC was disbarred for sexual misconduct towards an aspiring female barrister.

Industry response

Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar Council, said "There is no place for bullying and harassment at the Bar. We’re aware of the scale of the problem, but seeing its impact on our colleagues and those aspiring to join the profession in this report makes for uncomfortable reading."

Richard Orpin, interim CEO of industry super-regulator the Legal Services Board, said: "The independent review of bullying and harassment at the Bar reveals behaviour that is unacceptable and has no place in the legal profession. Regulators and sector leaders must act quickly and decisively to improve standards, address misconduct, and foster a safe culture across the profession."

Law Society vice president Mark Evans commented: "We support the review’s findings and urge all parts of the legal profession to reflect on them and take meaningful action. While this review focuses on the experiences of barristers, its terms of reference cover the whole ecosystem around the bar. Bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct are unacceptable in any workplace, and we reaffirm our commitment to a zero-tolerance approach within the solicitors’ profession."